The Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United transformed the club into one of the world’s biggest football clubs and one that was feared by all who tried to beat them.
He led them to a record-breaking 13 Premier League titles during his reign at Old Trafford, with no manager able to emulate such a feat since his departure in 2013.
The hierarchy have subsequently failed to replace the Scotsman in recent times, which no doubt is a near impossible task given his success at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, Michael Carrick has injected needed optimism and hope back into the fanbase in recent months, subsequently securing a place in the Champions League next season.
Regardless of whether or not the temporary boss is appointed on a permanent basis, the recruitment team have already started to find the next star to help lead the club to domestic success.
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Most Premier League Titles in History |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Manager |
Club(s) |
Titles |
|
Sir Alex Ferguson |
1 |
13 |
|
Pep Guardiola |
1 |
6 |
|
Jose Mourinho |
1 |
3 |
|
Arsene Wenger |
1 |
3 |
Man Utd make summer enquiry for young prospect
In recent days, United have been just one of a handful of Premier League clubs to make a move for Bournemouth’s young star Eli Kroupi Junior ahead of the summer window.
It’s been reported that the Red Devils are lining up a £100m deal for the Frenchman, but face stern competition from Chelsea and Liverpool for his signature.
However, the Cherries appear to be standing firm at present, stating that he’s not for sale despite the prospect of a £100m offer being presented by any interested party.
Man Utd’s most expensive signings of all time
A number of their additions haven’t lived up to expectations.
Kroupi isn’t the only young prospect currently in United’s sights ahead of the summer, with Lyon winger Afonso Moreira one other option being considered.
According to A Bola, the Red Devils have already made an enquiry to the Ligue 1 side over the possibility of completing a deal for the 21-year-old this window.
The report also states that United’s recent Champions League qualification has fuelled a move, with the club seeing him as an excellent fit for their future plans.
It remains to be seen how much a deal could cost this summer, but it is speculated that his current valuation stands at just £22m. That, however, is likely to change sooner rather than later, with the youngster reportedly close to agreeing a new contract with the French outfit at present.
Why Moreira would be United’s next Luis Nani
As previously mentioned, the Sir Alex tenure at United was one that the supporters will never forget, but it also allowed Luis Nani to make a name for himself in Europe.
The Portuguese star joined from Sporting CP back in the summer of 2007, subsequently arriving for a fee in the region of £13m – a bargain given his time at Old Trafford.
The winger would spend seven years in Manchester, racking up 219 appearances and finding the back of the net on 36 occasions – which saw his iconic backflip celebration often brought out.
He was often able to pull out the perfect deliveries for his teammates, none more so than his cross for Wayne Rooney’s iconic bicycle kick against rivals Manchester City.
However, after his departure in 2014, the club have lacked Portuguese flair in wide areas of the pitch, something which Moreira could provide with any move to Old Trafford.
Like Nani, he too started his career at Sporting CP, but he could also follow in his compatriot’s footsteps in taking his career to the next level at Old Trafford.
Despite 2025/26 being his first year in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, the 21-year-old has massively caught the eye – subsequently registering 18 combined goals and assists in all competitions.
His underlying stats this term also demonstrate his quality within attacking areas, which could see the Red Devils land yet another top-level young prospect.
Moreira, who’s been dubbed “electric” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has created 1.6 chances per 90 in Ligue 1 this campaign – with 0.5 of which being defined as big chances.
The latter of the aforementioned tallies ranks him in the top 7% of all attackers in the division, subsequently highlighting his ability to provide opportunities for those around him in front of goal.
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Afonso Moreira – Ligue 1 stats (2025/26) |
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|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
25 |
|
Goals & assists |
11 |
|
Pass accuracy |
82% |
|
Chances created |
1.6 |
|
Big chances created |
0.5 |
|
Crosses completed |
1.5 |
|
Fouls won |
2.9 |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
36% |
He’s also managed to complete 1.5 crosses per 90 – also ranking him in the top 10% – which reaffirms his superb ability to cause carnage within the final third of the pitch.
His threat to the opposition simply can’t be understated, with Moreira drawing 2.9 fouls per 90 this season – more than any other player in Lyon’s senior ranks.
However, the youngster has also been able to throw his weight around without the ball, as seen by his impressive tally of 6.2 ground duels won and 1.8 tackles made per 90.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the 21-year-old could cost this summer, it’s evident that United would be getting themselves a superb young prospect upon any deal being agreed.
His tender age gives him bags of time to develop further at Old Trafford and potentially make himself a club-legend if he can catapult them to Premier League glory.
Nani’s spell in Manchester will no doubt ramp up expectations on his shoulders, but he could emulate his compatriot in thriving and reaching new levels in his career.
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